Sweden’s playing authority, Spelinspektionen, has taken decisive motion in opposition to Versus Odds B.V., the operator of Fortunepanda.com, for violating Swedish playing laws. This fast ban, introduced (pdf) on January 2, 2025, underscores the regulator’s dedication to defending Swedish customers and sustaining gaming security.
The investigation into Versus Odds B.V. was triggered by suspicions of unlicensed playing actions focusing on Swedish gamers. The inquiry revealed a variety of violations, together with the web site’s intensive use of the Swedish language for phrases, coverage paperwork, and FAQ pages. Marketing campaigns additionally catered on to Swedish customers, additional indicating the operator’s deal with this market.
Violations and Regulatory Response
Spelinspektionen highlighted a number of points in its findings. Versus Odds B.V. operates underneath a Curaçao license, which lacks the authority required for offering playing providers in Sweden. The Fortunepanda.com web site not solely allowed Swedish gamers to entry its providers but in addition failed to dam account registrations from the nation.
Further scrutiny revealed that the operator manages a number of web sites, akin to Artcasino.io, Hazcasino.com, and Vegazcasino.com, a few of which equally goal Swedish customers. This intensive community amplified the regulatory concern, prompting swift motion.
To verify its suspicions, Spelinspektionen tried a covert take a look at buy on Fortunepanda.com. Although the take a look at couldn’t be accomplished, the proof gathered sufficed to show the positioning’s unlawful operations. Based on these findings, Spelinspektionen banned Versus Odds B.V. from offering playing providers in Sweden.
Broader Implications for Consumer Protection
The Swedish Gambling Act mandates that operators get hold of a neighborhood license to supply their providers legally. By imposing these laws, the Swedish authorities goals to channel playing actions by way of licensed, accountable operators. This method not solely ensures shopper security but in addition deters the proliferation of unlicensed platforms.
Spelinspektionen’s resolution comes amid rising considerations about unlawful playing in Sweden. According to current knowledge from AB Trav och Galopp (ATG), visits to unlicensed playing web sites have surged tenfold since 2019. Despite channelization charges stabilizing between 70% and 82%, challenges persist in curbing the expansion of unauthorized platforms.
The ban on Versus Odds B.V. displays Spelinspektionen’s dedication to safeguarding the Swedish playing market. As the regulator said, “The decision must therefore apply immediately” to make sure compliance and defend customers.
Meanwhile, the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) has lately expressed its approval of the National Audit Office’s current suggestion to guage Sweden’s Gambling Act. The respective report drew consideration to weaknesses within the regulatory oversight of the playing sector, underlining the need for stricter controls to handle unlicensed playing actions inside the nation.
